Philanthropist Warren Buffett sends aides to Ireland to discuss sale of State assets

Renowned businessman and philanthropist Warren Buffett has reportedly sent a few of his top aides to Ireland to meet the Irish Minister for Energy, Pat Rabbitte, to discuss the possible sale of State assets.

"Two meetings were held with different representatives of the Berkshire Hathaway group. In both cases these were introductory meetings organized at the request of Berkshire Hathaway," a government source told the Sunday Independent.

Bord Gais Energy, Ireland’s national gas company, is on the block for an estimated price of $1.3 billion dollars.

Bord Gais is one of several government companies that are up for grabs. Others include Coillte the Irish forestry organization) and the license for the National Lottery.

Buffett has been burnt by Irish investments in the past. In 2008, he invested $318.5m in a pair of Irish banks but when shares tanked that investment decreased in value to $35m.